Celebrate Poem by Anna Akhmatova

Celebrate

Rating: 3.0


Celebrate our anniversary - can't you see
tonight the snowy night of our first winter
comes back again in every road and tree -
that winter night of diamantine splendour.

Steam is pouring out of yellow stables,
the Moika river's sinking under snow,
the moonlight's misted as it is in fables,
and where we are heading - I don't know.

There are icebergs on the Marsovo Pole.
The Lebyazh'ya's crazed with crystal art.....
Whose soul can compare with my soul,
if joy and fear are in my heart? -

And if your voice, a marvellous bird's,
quivers at my shoulder, in the night,
and the snow shines with a silver light,
warmed by a sudden ray, by your words?

Celebrate
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Mary Douglas 08 August 2009

It should be understood by all dear readers I think, that Anna Akhmatova is legendary in the history of world poetry, not only in Russian poetry, although her poetic presence in the Russian language is eminent enough. She stands alone, in classical profile in the history of lyric poetry, particularly, the history of lament. The most personal poetry and at the same time, the most universal. If you want to know how important it is to totalitarian rulers to stifle the pure, lyric voice, find out about the Zdhanov decree and how they called her obscene names just for speaking from her own soul (and ultimately, the soul of Russia, as many Russians would agree) . All this shows that the aim of totalitarianism in any form is to obliterate the soul. Tell me there is not a war between good and evil and that God is not real after you read her life, also, the life of Osip Mandelstam, and I will never believe you. All this is beyond political. It all comes down to the human (your) soul. God be with all living poets on this earth and in the life to come.

8 1 Reply
Rajnish Manga 19 October 2017

Recalling and portraying that cold winter wedding night is just outstanding. Looks like an anniversary gift for the occasion. Thanks. I quote: that winter night of diamantine splendour. and where we are heading – I don’t know.

2 0 Reply
Edward Kofi Louis 19 October 2017

That winter night! ! Thanks for sharing this poem with us.

2 0 Reply
Ravi Kopra 19 October 2017

That's how the first stanza will appear in literal Chinese: do joy each year - no see night snow first winter every road tree night stars sky

2 0 Reply
Anil Kumar Panda 30 March 2019

A nice poem with a beautiful flow. Loved it. 'And if your voice, a marvellous bird’s, quivers at my shoulder, in the night, and the snow shines with a silver light, warmed by a sudden ray, by your words? '..is such a nice stanza. Thanks for sharing.10++++

1 1 Reply
Sylvia Frances Chan 20 February 2022

A most powerful character that she decided to stay in Russia and did not emigrate.5 Stars full on TOP

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Sylvia Frances Chan 20 February 2022

she is notable for choosing not to emigrate, and remaining in Russia, acting as witness to the atrocities around her. Her perennial themes include meditations on time and memory, and the difficulties of living and writing in the shadow of Stalinism.

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Chinedu Dike 20 February 2022

Lovely and very passionate write...

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Sylvia Frances Chan 31 March 2020

CELEBRATE! I oft admired her poems, powerful but loveliest worded and she was one of the few who stayed in Russia and not ran away for the regime. Brave poetess, true poetess in heart and soul. Congratulations for being chosen as The Classic Poem Of The Day. I have enjoyed endlessly this great classic.

1 0 Reply
Shaun Cronick 30 March 2020

Good old Anna one of her best always with shades of Parker and Rosetti.

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